LogFrog DB is a diabetes tracking application for iOS with a user interface you’ve got to see to believe. This app has dramatically improved upon the standard iPhone app data entry process by creating ways of entering data that are not only faster, but are actually fun to use.

Elon and Yelena at Tour de Cure 2011

LogFrog DB was created by software designer Elon Danziger for his fiancée and co-founder Yelena Rubinshteyn, who has type 1 diabetes. Their goal in designing LogFrog DB was to make it something that was both fun and fast. I’ve used the product and can attest that they’ve accomplished both goals.

I had the opportunity to speak with Yelena last week to get the full story on LogFrog and their amazingly cool user interface.

Steve: Can you briefly describe the idea behind LogFrog DB for our readers?

Yelena: The problem with managing a chronic condition like diabetes is that it requires patients to put in a lot of work into daily, mundane activities like record-keeping. These records are necessary for health care providers to determine the best treatment plan, and for patients to be able to manage diabetes on a daily basis. But because record-keeping is such a chore, patients often give up keeping logs. We created LogFrog DB, a diabetes tracking application for the iPhone and iPod Touch, to alleviate this problem. The app has powerful, innovative features to help patients manage diabetes quickly with a unique and fun look-and-feel. It allows users to log the four most important factors for daily diabetes management – blood glucose values, medicine, carbs, and exercise – as well as keeping notes and storing A1c values. Data can be easily exported via e-mail in a variety of formats depending on patient and doctor preferences. A graphing tool is included to allow visualization of blood sugar trends over time. In addition, graphs can be filtered to help reveal patterns around particular times of day, specific meals, exercise, etc. Other features include averages, daily medication reminders, and glucose-check reminders.

Steve: Is there an ideal user for LogFrog DB? If so how would you describe that user?

Yelena: Any diabetic who finds it boring or struggles to find motivation to keep adequate records will appreciate LogFrog DB. It’s quick, animated, and visually appealing. We particularly wanted to stay away from making something that felt clinical. The friendly frog character and sense of whimsy make it engaging for kids as well.

Steve: What devices will LogFrog DB currently run on?

Yelena: LogFrog DB currently runs on iPhones, iPod Touches, and iPads. We are developing an iPad-optimized version, and are considering an Android version.

Yelena: For many years I wasn’t managing my diabetes and my HbA1c test results, a measure of my blood glucose control over the previous months, were dangerously high. Because I never got into keeping paper logs, my doctors couldn’t determine an appropriate insulin regimen. Even once mobile apps became available, I just couldn’t get motivated. Last year, my fiancé Elon asked me if I wanted to create a diabetes app that would work for me, one that was more centered around motivation while avoiding the clinical feel. By fall we had come up the basic design concepts and he had coded an app I was using every day. Tracking and logging became part of my everyday routine. We polished the app and submitted it to Apple’s App Store, where it was released in November. The app worked for me – it keeps me motivated and I was able to get my diabetes under control. We also continue to hear positive feedback from our users, who often give us original suggestions for additional features, so we know the app has been helpful to others, and people see great potential in it.

Steve: What are the different components of the LogFrog DB app?

LogFrog DB Data Entry Wheel

Yelena: The main component of LogFrog DB is a wheel used for entering data very quickly (under 5 seconds). There is also a log of all the data entered over time, an interactive graph, and some export and settings screens. Features include blood sugar averages, A1c recording, daily meds reminders and glucose-check reminders, e-mail export in a variety of formats, and backup to a Google Spreadsheet.

Steve: I see that LogFrog DB provides the ability to filter graphical information. What is the purpose behind those filters?

LogFrog DB Data Graph

Yelena: Users can filter graphs of blood sugars to view those taken at a certain time and in conjunction with certain events like meals or exercise. It’s even possible to be as focused as reviewing only blood sugars taken before dinner or after breakfast, for example. Once you have a lot of daily data, it can become difficult to see trends. By allowing users to filter, the app can give them insight into periods of greater and lesser control during the day. Armed with this type of information, a diabetic can discuss with their endocrinologist whether adjustments in their medication regimen are warranted.

Steve: How many times per day would a typical LogFrog DB user update their information?

Yelena: I open LogFrog 6-8 times a day but each time I make more than one entry (blood sugar, insulin, and meal, for example).

Steve: Do you recommend that LogFrog DB users share the data with their physicians? If so what’s the best way?

Yelena: Absolutely, and we’ve made this possible in various formats and styles. After the release of the app, we sought feedback from clinicians and added to our export options to suit their needs. For now we are focused on visual formats like e-mail, and PDF in the future; but we are looking into alternative ways to connect patients and doctors, and into electronic data formats that we hope will become more standardized in the future.

Steve: I notice that the official name of the product is LogFrog DB. Are there plans to release additional health related apps under the LogFrog brand?

Yelena: We feel the interface lends itself to many chronic conditions, and we will consider expanding to serve people with other health conditions in the future. For now, we remain focused on diabetes management.

Steve: I see that your company is a member startup with healthcare technology accelerator Rock Health. What benefits do you hope to gain from that relationship?

Yelena: We are extremely excited and honored to be part of Rock Health. We’re looking forward to the mentorship, education, and connections that come from being part of this amazing and uniquely specialized community.

Steve: Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

Yelena: We are seeking physicians interested in technological innovation to join our advisory board. Their input will be crucial to our effort to complete the circle of care with a system that allows endocrinologists to review and understand their diabetes patients’ data in a fast, meaningful way both during and between patient visits. If interested, please contact us at team(at)logfrogapp(dot)com.

LogFrog DB is available in the App Store for $2.99. The reviews for the product are universally glowing.

Thanks very much to Yelena and Elon for participating in App Store Friday. You can learn more about their product LogFrog DB at their website.